Houston, TX — All Things Baking, which took place in Houston, Texas September 9 through September 11, lived up to its tagline as “All the things you’ve ever wanted in a baking show.” Thousands of attendees took advantage of the education, hands-on demonstrations, bakery tours and the latest innovations from leading vendors. Created to serve as the industry’s annual marketplace, meeting place and educational forum during the 2-year gap in the IBIE rotation, the show was timed perfectly for attendees. Participants hailed from all across the United States and 27 countries including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, Italy, Guatemala and Australia.
The education program was a strong draw for attendees. Produced by the Retail Bakers of America, AIB international, and, the RPIA Group, the program offered leading-edge instruction focusing on everything from decorating trends to business management and marketing. Several sessions were sold out, including
the hands on sessions “Writing Made Easy” taught by Roland and Marsha Winbeckler and “Modeling Chocolate” by Bronwen Weber, while show floor demonstrations were standing room only. This year a general session was added to the education program and keynote speaker, Steve Gilliland, entertained and energized the crowd.
Another new feature for All Things Baking was the Cake and Bread Extravaganza, a competition of finished product sponsored by Johnson Brothers Bakery Supply. Bakers entered their products in four categories: Buttercream, Sculpted Cakes, Kolache, Rosca de Reyes, and Cupcakes. The winners in the sculpted cake category were 1st place- Naomi M Palombo of Cakes by Julia and 2nd place- Thomas Baker of Three Brothers Bakery. Bragging rights for the 1st place Kolache went to John Homrighausen of Ranch Bakery while 2nd place was claimed by Dawn Nielsen of the Kolache Factory. In the cupcake competition, Thomas Baker of Three Brothers took 1st place while Haley Ogle of the The Muffin Top took 2nd. There were no entries in the Rosca de Reyes category. All 1st place winners received $250 in cash while second place winners received gift certificates for merchandise from Johnson Brothers Bakery Supply.
The 12th Annual RBA Pillsbury Bakers’ Plus Creative Decorating Competition also adorned the show floor with masterfully decorated cakes. On Tuesday, October 3, the top three scoring individuals were announced and awarded medals and more than $14,000 in prize money for each of five sponsored categories listed below. The highest overall scoring individual was named the Grand Champion and awarded the coveted Pillsbury Baker’s Plus Grand Champion Trophy, sponsored by General Mills.
Category Winners:
Flowers and Sprays category:
Bronze medal – Emma McAdow, Busken Bakery, GCRBA
Silver medal – Rachel Vaughn, The Cakery, OBA
Gold medal – Keeann Richards-Cramer, Jerry’s Foods, UMBA
Custom Design Cakes category (sponsored by DecoPac)
Bronze medal – Rachel Vaughn, The Cakery, OBA
Silver medal – Tina Bernier, Tiffany’s Bakery & Eatery, SRBA
Gold medal – Keeann Richards-Cramer, Jerry’s Foods, UMBA
Sculpted Cakes category:
Bronze medal – Tina Bernier, Tiffany’s Bakery & Eatery, SRBA
Silver medal – Betsy Yagunic, Alliance Bakery, CARBA
Gold medal – Rachel Vaughn, The Cakery, OBA
Wedding Cakes category (sponsored by Pfeil & Holing)
Bronze medal – Krystina Gianaris, Kake Kouture, NJBBT
Silver medal – Emma McAdow, Busken Bakery, GCRBA
Gold medal – Rachel Vaughn, The Cakery, OBA
Rolled Fondant category (sponsored by Bakery Crafts)
Bronze medal – Krystina Gianaris, Kake Kouture, NJBBT
Silver medal is – Rachel Vaughn, The Cakery, OBA
Gold medal – Keeann Richards-Cramer, Jerry’s Foods, UMBA
Pillsbury Grand Champion:
Third place – Krystina Gianaris, Kake Kouture, NJBBT
Second place – Keeann Richards-Cramer, Jerry’s Foods, UMBA
2012 Pillsbury Grand Champion – Rachel Vaughn, The Cakery, OBA
Show organizers were very pleased with All Things Baking 2012. "In light of current economic conditions, this year's show was successful—especially in terms of the quality of buyers present," said Ken Downey, RBA president. "This is a testament to the strength and vitality of the baking industry in North America."
All Things Baking is an exciting new trade show featuring focused education, hands-on demonstrations and all the latest products and services to keep baking and food service professionals competitive, profitable and ahead of consumer trends. Supported by the Retail Bakers of America, the American Bakers Association and BEMA, this completely reinvented marketplace represents all things the industry’s been asking for in a baking event, all in one convenient location.
Source: All Things Baking